“This may be one of the largest (D-Day) gatherings in this area,” said Bob Johnson, co-chairman of the event that takes place a day after the formal D-Day anniversary on Friday. “This was the largest military operation in history and it was basically the beginning of the end for Nazi tyranny.”

Highlighting the event will be the award of Legion of Honor medals — the highest honor given from France — to nine U.S. veterans who served in France during World War II. The medals will be presented by representatives of the consulate general of France in Los Angeles in a ceremony limited to the veterans and their guests.

Activities include fly-overs food trucks and World War II displays, including military vehicles, hardware and memorabilia.

Ship tours are available for $5.

Greg Williams, executive director of the historic ship built in 1945, said commemorations like the one for D-Day are important as Americans remember there “is no higher calling in mankind” than to be willing to fight for freedom with “the courage to right the wrongs of despots.”

“Two-hundred-thousand honorable and brave men set in motion the destruction of the most evil society the world has seen,” Williams said. “ ... I just don’t want people to ever forget these guys.”